NFL Pushes to Finalize New Media Rights Before 2026 Season, With CBS Up First
Early extensions would raise fees, with some games moving to streaming.
Overview
- The league wants new agreements completed before September and to take effect immediately, effectively buying out current opt-out clauses.
- Contracts are expected to run through 2033 or 2034, locking in rights for seven to eight years beyond the current term.
- Paramount CEO David Ellison said CBS plans to continue its NFL partnership and has “planned accordingly,” indicating preparedness for an accelerated renewal.
- The NFL intends to roll out deals piecemeal, starting with Paramount/CBS, with Fox viewed as next even as CEO Lachlan Murdoch says there have been no material renewal talks.
- League executives plan to engage additional bidders as new streaming packages are carved out, with YouTube cited as a frontrunner for newly freed game windows.